The points of issue
Gollancz UK hardcover, published 27 November 2003. Copyright page states First published in Great Britain in 2003 by Gollancz, with the first-impression number line including 1. Blue cloth with silver spine titles in the Chris Moore illustrated dust jacket, priced.
Is this the true first?
UK Gollancz hardcover (27 November 2003) is the true first; the US Ace edition followed in 2004. A later Subterranean Press signed limited edition is a reissue, not the first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
None notable.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Absolution Gap a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Gollancz UK hardcover, published 27 November 2003. Copyright page states First published in Great Britain in 2003 by Gollancz, with the first-impression number line including 1. Blue cloth with silver spine titles in the Chris Moore illustrated dust jacket, priced.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. UK Gollancz hardcover (27 November 2003) is the true first; the US Ace edition followed in 2004. A later Subterranean Press signed limited edition is a reissue, not the first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
None notable.
I have a first edition of Absolution Gap — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.